Considered one of the best cuisines in the world, Thai cuisine is both colorful and flavorful. It stands out for its spicy and pungent aromas like curry, lemongrass, coriander, chili, and basil. From the famous Pad Thai to the very spicy papaya salad to curry recipes, we present to you the top 8 iconic dishes of Thailand. Enough to treat yourself to an incredibly indulgent culinary escapade…

1. Pad Thai

An iconic dish of Thailand, we don't need to introduce the essential Pad Thai! These stir-fried noodles are even part of the list of favorite dishes in the world. That's how famous they are. For a little anecdote, Pad Thai was born by decree at the request of Prime Minister Plaek Pibulsonggram, in the late 1930s!

2. Khao Phat

After Pad Thai, it's the most popular dish in Thailand! Khao Phat is nothing more than fried rice with vegetables. It's usually accompanied by meat, fish, or tofu. And for the finishing touch, don't forget half a lemon and fish sauce for seasoning!

3. Som Tam

For thrill-seekers, Som Tam is one of the spiciest Thai dishes! It's a salad of shredded green papaya that is seasoned with fish sauce, tomatoes, lemon, peanuts, and very powerful small chilies. And the result is a fireworks display for the taste buds. Consider yourself warned!

4. Tom Kha

Among the essential dishes of Thailand, soups have a major place! This is the case of Tom Kha. This soup is simmered with coconut milk, which is seasoned with galangal root, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and coriander. Beyond the spices, you can add chicken (Tom Kha Kai), seafood (Tom Kha Thale), pork (Tom Kha Mu), or even tofu (Tom Kha Taohu).

5. Panang Curry

Thai cuisine delights all curry enthusiasts. Among them, the most famous is Panang Curry, a red curry paste with peanut flavors made of dried chili, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime, coriander, cumin, lemon, garlic, and shallots. It's generally cooked in coconut milk with meat, fish, or tofu for vegetarians!

6. Pat Krapao

Traditionally cooked with pork, Pat Krapao is a fragrant stir-fry with Thai basil, enhanced with chili and a touch of oyster sauce. It's enjoyed with rice and sometimes topped with a fried egg. In any case, it's a typical Thai dish loved by locals and tourists alike!

7. Massaman

For those who love curry but can't handle overly spicy food, Massaman is for you! Indeed, it's one of the mildest curries you'll find in Thailand. This dish consists of potatoes, onions, peanuts, meat, or fish (or tofu for vegetarians), all simmered in coconut milk and massaman curry paste.

8. Khao Niao ma mouang

We end our indulgent selection with a Thai dessert, not just any: Khao Niao ma mouang. It's a sticky rice with coconut milk, accompanied by slices of mango. Sometimes, this Thai dessert is made with papaya or even durian. In any case, we love its sweetness and exotic flavors.

Florine Dergelet